IHOP!

Hi guys,

I'm here at IHOP for the new few months, to recharge, hear from the Lord, and learn and immerse myself in the awesome culture of faith over this ministry. I'm on the "Intro to IHOP-KC" track- a track designed for those who intend on coming on board as full time staff at IHOP. That's not necessarily my goal- but I'm open to it if the Lord leads! But yea, as I wrote prior, just hear to get recharged, reinspired and grow, grow, grow. Been learning so much already in the past week. Hope to share here and there through this blog of what's going on and what do the Lord's doing in my life.

Anyways, some stuff to start out-

"7 Longings of the Human Heart" by Mike Bickle. One of the required books to get on my track. I read Mike Bickle's "Passion for Jesus", which was very good- and a book I'd recommend to anyone. But after reading that within the past year or two- Mike Bickle's "claim to fame", I thought I'd had enough of Bickle. But reading this book now, God is rocking my boat.

I actually saw this book back in the day, but didn't bother getting it. In addition to being already occupied with "Passion for Jesus" I was skeptical at the time as to how anyone could come up with a formulaic expose of how the human heart works. Surely, even Mike Bickle couldn't sum up a grand theme of the longings of the human heart by slapping a number on the idea. But after reading it- I gotta confess, the man speaks the truth. I feel like my life has been changed already just from reading of the first two longings- the longing to be loved, and the longing to be fascinated. I whole heartedly recommend this book to anyone- it def. makes sense in regards to the different emotions and anxieties we feel- and how ultimately we can only find the fulfillment of our hearts in God alone. Anyways read it! You'll be happier.

-I just came back from a birthday dinner in which I spoke to some people involved in worship. One of them spoke of visiting heaven to receive heavenly melodies, in rather non chalant fashion. And the thing is- as fantastical as that sounds, I believe her.

All in all, I'm just reminded that there's a realm of faith and reality out there so untouched and untapped. I think I got it all down, but I meet genuine people who have had far greater experiences with the Lord- experiences which makes my walk with the Lord look like cookie cutter- (although there's none denying that my experiences were just as real or genuine as there's). But I'm just reminded that there's so much more out there to learn and see. God is big.

This brings me to my last point before I close this entry. The need to be openminded. Trust me, the temptation is there in my heart and mind to cross out people or ideas that seem far fetched and spectacular. But I realize the moment I do that without earnestly considering their validity in humility- I'm only setting my own ceilings and boundaries for growth. I've always been open minded however, to the supernatural-I've always leaned towards giving this kind of stuff my benefit of the doubt as I struggle to understand further. It's just been my psychological DNA. But I hope to continue this attitude- I don't ever want to be in a place where I feel like I have God and faith all figured out. The reality is, He's so much greater than I will ever know in this life. We all say that, but many of us don't really live that axiom out. If we did, we'd be more humble and hungry to grow in the faith knowing that at the end of life, even if we were to attain the greatest revelations and growth, we still wouldn't have even scratched the surface of all who God is. However, if skepticism and pride is our first disposition, it's game over. We've already set our own ceiling.

Some of us may be more conservative or skeptical when it comes to the supernatural- although we deal with a God who is supernatural and through scripture deals with people in supernatural ways. But I think if we're honest with ourselves, we'd rather be safe than risk getting hurt or manipulated. But for those who tenaciously believe, my word of encouragement- regardless whether we do see the promises of God and what we're pressing in for, fulfilled in our lifetime or the next- I do firmly believe that when we get to heaven, "naivety" for faithfully believing in the promises of God (healing, supernatural encounters with God in their various forms) will be a more honored and accepted position by the Lord than being a safe cynic. I really believe that!!

Anyways, hope my entries will be shorter and more focused in the future. Check back again!